Febrile
104: StAR: Neurosyphilis
Jun 17, 2024
Dr. Matthew Hamill, a researcher from Johns Hopkins University specializing in neurosyphilis, shares his insights on the increasing syphilis rates in the U.S. He discusses the challenges of diagnosing neurosyphilis, particularly the need for lumbar punctures and reliable biomarkers. The conversation highlights innovative treatment strategies, including using intravenous penicillin G and doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis. Hamill also covers the complexities of managing patients with concurrent HIV and syphilis, emphasizing the need for further research in this critical area.
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Quick takeaways
- The alarming rise in syphilis diagnoses in the U.S., particularly congenital cases, highlights the urgency for public health awareness and intervention.
- Neurosyphilis can exhibit neurological symptoms at any stage, necessitating careful monitoring and guidelines for lumbar puncture in suspicious cases.
Deep dives
Rising Rates of Syphilis
The United States has witnessed a significant increase in syphilis diagnoses, with an alarming 80% rise across all stages in the past five years. Particularly concerning is the spike in congenital syphilis cases, which have escalated by 180% during the same period, including a staggering 30% increase in just the last year. These statistics highlight that syphilis remains a prevalent public health issue, contradicting perceptions of the infection as a historical relic. Awareness of these trends is essential for health care providers to effectively address and manage syphilis, especially in clinical contexts.
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